[Outcomes of a pulmonary rehabilitation program including singing training]

Acute exacerbation of COPD during pulmonary rehabilitation: outcomes and risk prediction

Purpose

This study was performed to examine acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) during pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and the usefulness of multidimensional indices (MIs) to predict AECOPD at enrolment in PR.

Patients and methods

A 4-week PR program (PRP) was implemented for 125 consecutive patients with COPD. At baseline and PRP completion, we recorded the FEV₁, 6-minute walk test, peak work rate at cardiopulmonary testing, modified Medical Research Council score, and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score. The risk of AECOPDs at baseline was assessed using the body mass index, airway obstruction, dyspnea, Exercise capacity (BODE), dyspnea, obstruction, smoking, exacerbation (DOSE), and score to predict short-term risk of COPD exacerbations (SCOPEX) MIs.

Results

Thirty-two episodes of AECOPD occurred. The COPD status was worse in patients with than without AECOPD at baseline (lower FEV₁, 6-minute walk test, and peak work rate; higher modified Medical Research Council and CAT scores). The sensitivities of the BODE, DOSE, and SCOPEX MIs to predict the occurrence of AECOPD during PRP were 78.1%, 21.9%, and 84.4%, and the specificities were 73.6%, 87.1%, and 51.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

The BODE and SCOPEX MIs help to predict the exacerbation risk during PR.

Sing Your Lungs Out: a qualitative study of a community singing group for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

OBJECTIVE

To explore the ways in which participation in a community singing group contributed to the health and well-being of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DESIGN

Qualitative description, based on transcripts from individual interviews and a focus group meeting with people with COPD participating in the singing group, regarding their experience.

SETTING

Urban community, Wellington, New Zealand.

PARTICIPANTS

23 people (13 women and 10 men), 51-91 years with COPD (21) or interstitial lung disease (2).

RESULTS

The weekly singing group was a well-attended activity, with self-reported benefits to health and well-being. 4 key themes were identified: being in the 'right space', connection, purpose and growth, and participation in a meaningful physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study helps us to better understand how participation in a community singing group can benefit the health and well-being of patients with COPD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12615000736549; Results.